The Italian striker is likely to lead the Sunderland frontline at Norwich City on Saturday afternoon with Steven Fletcher out with an ankle injury, plus new signing Ignacio Scocco and goal-shy American Jozy Altidore struggling for form.
Borini is already a firm favourite with Sunderland supporters after two goals in the derby victories, and the opener in the Capital One Cup Final when he was surprisingly selected.
Poyet has not ruled out attempting to prise Borini from Anfield at the end of the season but accepts he may be fighting a losing battle.
The Sunderland boss said: ‘Fabio has become a hero, a legend, which is great. He has really got into the club and the fans. He lives football, he’s a top professional, he’s always on time, he’s always trying to be better in training. He’s that type of person, he’s always looking after what he’s eating or what he’s not eating.
‘And when you score goals in special games, at special times like he did it gets you closer to people and gets you to play better. He’s showing what a good player he is.
‘In the beginning it was my fault he was not playing. Now, if he’s not the first one you pick, he’ll be the next one. He’s at that level.
‘I don’t know if it will be possible to sign him, it’s out of our hands but I can tell you that we like him a lot and we will try. People will say the price is going up. I’m not going to lie, he’s an
important player, he’s been great. I hope he finishes the season at the same level scoring important goals.
‘If he makes us safe in the next five games then I won’t play him in the next five. Then maybe everyone will forget about him. “Fabio Borini, oh yeah rubbish,” so then we can buy him.’
Written by Steve Milne
